If you are a creative and curious person that thinks twice before buying expensive things for yourself or home then you are in the right place.I post new articles every week trying to teach or inspire you to create beautiful things.Do it Yourself! It's more fun that way!
I always found no numbers clock very cool. We should stop being so addicted to time, and stop checking it so often. (Well expect when you have an important meeting to attend to ).
I also love retro/ vintage clock designs. You can still find them at vintage shops if you're lucky, and sometimes they can get expensive. Here is a fun way to create your own, using a Pringels can! (next time you enjoy a can of chips , don't throw that away )
I finished school some time ago, but I remember that every year
before it would start, I really enjoyed going shopping and getting
prepared and I used to personalize my school supplies to get more
excited about it.
I invested a lot of time in finding the perfect
ideas, and creating this tutorial, and because I thought so much about
it, I made 2 videos !here is part 2 of the series. You can see Part 1 here
I finished school some time ago, but I remember that every year before it would start, I really enjoyed going shopping and getting prepared and I used to personalize my school supplies to get more excited about it.
I invested a lot of time in finding the perfect ideas, and creating this tutorial, and because I thought so much about it, I will even make a part 2 ! that will be out on my Youtube channel next week. So stay tuned!
Before we begin here is something to pin:
Idea number 1 : Pencil Toppers
Supplies:
-pom-poms (big and small)
-pencils
-felt (black and white)
-glue (gel type)
-scissors
-double sided tape and some printed paper or washi tape (optional for decoration)
Steps:
1.Stick together big and small pom poms to recreate bunny or bear shapes
2. Cut out eyes and noses from the felt and stick them on the faces
3.Remove the eraser from the pencils and stick the animal pom poms in there, by applying pressure with circular moves
4. For decoration cover the pencils with washi tape or create your own washi tape using the printed images
Idea number 2: Panda lunch box
Supplies:
-A lunch box
-White and Black felt
-A glue gun
-Some fabric of your choice
-2 liter plastic bottle
-sticky tape
-scissors
-double sided tape
Steps:
For the panda figure:
1.Draw a rough panda sketch on a piece of paper to figure out what you will need
2.Based on my sketch I cut out 2 semi-circle shaped ears, 2 black egg shaped eye circles, 2 white circles, an oval shaped nose, and an upside down "Y" shaped black mouth.
3.I glued the ears on the top and the ears,nose and mouth on the front using the glue gun.
For the handle:
1. Cover the plastic bottle with one row of sticky tape and cut around it.
2.Leave a semicircle shape and bend the edges.
3.Create a fabric tape like here, and cover the handle in it.
4.Stick the handle on top with your glue gun and you're done
Idea number 3 : Apple pencil holder
Supplies:
-a round jar
-red acrylic paint
-white string
-some leaves from some fake flowers
-glue
Steps:
1.Paint the jar inside with red.
2. Add glue on the top edge
3.Wrap around some string, along with the leaves
4.Leave everything to dry and you are done!
Idea number 4 : Puzzle Notebook
Supplies:
-a notebook
-a printed table, you can download this table for free here
(You can also create your own table if you don't have a printer. Just mark the middle of the edges of a white sheet of paper . Then mark from that point ,towards right and left half a inch in steps until you get to the corners. Join points from opposite sides .)
-you will also need some double sided tape.
Steps:
1.Stick on the edges of the notebook and in the center stripes of tape.
2.Reveal the sticky sides and place on top the printed table.
3.Complete the boxes with letters and form words of your chose like "science is cool" .
4.Color those words with crayons or markers so you won't lose them
5.Complete the rest of the boxes with letters ,randomly or hide some secret words
6.You can also decorate the edges of the table with washi tape if you like
Idea number 5 : Vintage Camera Sharpener / Crayon Box
Supplies:
-a big match box
-a sharpener
-very strong glue
-2 bottle caps
-acrylic paint (black and silver)
-marker
-x-acto knife
Steps:
1.Glue the sharpener to an inside corner of the matchbox
2.Using the x-acto knife, create two holes on the outside corner , to match the holes of the sharpener.
3.Applying pressure with circular moves, enlarge the holes with a crayon, until you are apple to sharpen it.
4.Draw two lines parallel with the longer edges
5. Glue the bigger cap on the front of the box and the smaller one on the top.
6.Paint the middle with black and the margins with silver
7.Add details to make it look more realistic : like painting the edge of the bigger cap with silver and tapping a little paint in the middle with your finger. You can also draw some rectangles in the left top corner with a black marker
And you're done
Add in there some crayons and you're ready to draw some photos :)
If some of the steps above are not clear enough watch video bellow to understand better all the details:
I saw once on Etsy.com these cute animal planters made of felt, and I thought I should make my own. Since I don't know how to work with felt, I made them from air drying clay, and chose to go with an owl representation, because it is easy to recreate. I incorporated all the process in a video, so you can make your own planter as well. See video at the bottom of this page.
Let's begin! But first here is something for you to pin :
Supplies:
When you buy little plants, they come in these plastic containers, so look for a jar or cup that is a little bigger than the container.
You will also need some air drying clay.Here is a suggestion :
-A knife
-Some tin foil
-A non sticky surface, to work your clay on it
-Something to roll the clay with- I used a bottle spray
-And a cup of water ( to help you smooth the surface of the clay )
Steps:
1.Cover the bottom of the jar with tin foil and press it until it's smooth
2.Take a ball of clay and roll it until you obtain a round piece of about 0.5 cm thickness.
3.Place the round piece of clay on top of the jar and press it until it gains the shape of the jar.
4. Roll an other piece of clay until you obtain a cylinder shape, then press it and roll it until you obtain a rectangular shape, long enough to embrace the jar
5.Wrap around that piece around the jar, and using your fingers dipped in water, combine the 2 parts of clay together until you obtain a cup shape that sits on top of the jar.
6.Turn over the jar, and using a stick or a pen , roll out the edge, and smooth it with your hands.
7. For the owl look, place 2 flat circles of clay on front , and smooth the center of them with your finger., creating the eyes.
8.Create also a conical shape and place it between the eyes , creating this way the beak.
9.Using a stick ,make some long marks on the back , resembling some feathers.
10.Remove the jar from the clay form. It will easily come out, but the tin foil will be stuck on the clay.
11. Leave it to dry for about 24 h or over night. After it's dried the tin foil pops out easily.
12.You can place your plant in there, or optional you can paint the owl, on the eyes and beak to look more funny.
Planning a wedding can get complicated and stressful. After all , you may have dreamed about it since a little kid and maybe you feel a little frustrated that it has to be PERFECT. Knowing this I've been planning to make a DIY specially for the future weeds, maybe to inspire them or help them with ideas for the event. For now I came up with some wedding favor ideas. If you think I can help with other things let me now in the comments. But before anything else what are wedding favors ? Here's a hand from Wikipedia : Wedding favors are small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to guests from the bride and groom during a wedding ceremony or a wedding reception. The tradition of distributing wedding favors is a very old one. (Source) Personally I find this tradition really cute and I would love to receive one so I can have a little "souvenir" from the people that celebrates love. Also it's important to make your guests feel special and that you are happy they came to be with you in your special day.
Now before we begin here is something to pin :
Wedding Favor No. 1 : Mini Flower Pot
Supplies: 1.Mini terracotta pot 2.A piece of kraft cardboard ( I recycled a cute gift bag) 3.A pattern scissors 4.White acrylic paint 5.Some sand beads ( I used white and glossy but you can go with pink or beige etc ) 6.Transparent glue 7.Tissue paper 8.Mini paper flowers 9.A piece of organza 10. Pen and brown crayon 11.A mini shape cutter
Steps: -Cover the mini terracotta pot with 1-2 layers of white paint and let it dry -Write on the piece of cardboard a cute message or something simple like " Thank You!" -Use the mini shape cutter to cut out a little piece creating a shaped hole -Take the organza and push is through the hole then tie together the message with a little paper flower - Fill the terracotta pot with 2-3 layers of tissue paper with glue between them -Pinch in the middle a hole using something thin and sharp like a toothpick -Squeeze the flower in there and add on top plenty of glue -Then place a layer of sand beads -Dip the crayon in some water -Write your initials on the painted pot- this is optional- you can leave it simple if you want Wedding Favor No 2 : Message in a Bottle
Supplies 1.A tiny glass bottle 2. Kitchen salt ( I used himalayan salt ) 3. A piece of white string 4.Pattern scissors 5.Transparent glue 6. Sea related objects ( seashell, pearl , glass)
Steps: - Draw a heart shape with glue on the glass bottle -Dip the shape in salt creating a salt heart -Write a personal message on a piece of paper .Something like : "You're a life saver, thanks for being here!" -Cut around the message with the pattern scissors then roll the paper creating a mini scroll. -Tie the mini scroll with the white string -Now go ahead and fill the bottle -first salt, then the message, then the sea objects - I used a shell, a piece of glass and a white pearl
Wedding Favor No 3 : Message in a Box
Supplies: 1.A box of matches 2.Washi Tape 3.Pattern Scissors 4.A glass bead/stone ( I found this at the home decor section) 5. Metallic Golden acrylic paint 6.Paper and pen 7. A piece of cotton 8.Glue
Steps:
-Paint the back of the glass stone with golden metallic paint and let it dry -Roll washi tape all over the cover of the matchbox -Add some glue to the interior of the box and push in the piece of cotton -Write a personal message on a piece of paper. Something like : " Your presence here is gold!", then cut around it, roll it into a scroll and tie it with a piece of string. -Put the scroll on top of the cotton along with the gold drop glass and close the box
Wedding Favor No 4 : Just Married Car
Supplies : 1. A toy car 2.A piece of cardboard 3.A piece of organza and a big fork ( this is for creating little bows -if you bought them skip this step) 4.Transparent glue 5.Toothpick 6.Pattern scissors
Steps: -For creating the little bow -go around the edges of the fork twice then tie a knot in the middle. See video bellow for better understanding -Glue the bow on the front hood of the car. -Write a message like "Just Married" on the cardboard and cut around it with the pattern scissors -Glue the toothpick on the back of the message then glue it all together on the car. If you want you can glue only the message if it's small enough. Wedding Favor No 5 : Mini Wedding Cake
Supplies: 1.Three bottle caps of different sizes -one bigger than the other 2.Glue gun 3.White acrylic paint 4.Cardboard+ pattern scissors 5.Some white paper flowers
TIP : if you are making more of these use white spray paint for a faster result. ask your friends and family to save bottle caps for you so you can have enough of them Steps: -Using the glue gun stick the smaller cap on top of the bigger one creating a wedding cake shape -Create a whipped cream pattern on top and on the edges of the caps using the glue gun -Cover it in 2-3 coats of white paint and let it dry -Write a personal message on a big piece of cardboard .Something like : "So sweet of you to come! " -Cut around it with the pattern scissors then glue the mini cake on the cardboard right next to the message. -Glue some paper flowers on the edges and on top of the cake And that's it! Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite; If some of these steps are not clear enough please watch the video bellow. It shows how to create all 5 of the wedding favors:
Don't you just love feather jewellery? They are so delicate and warm, and make a great accessory for summer. Ok.....so maybe you decided to buy some.......but what if it's too expensive for you..or if the designs you see in stores don't match your personality? Here is where I come in to give you a hand.
I will try to explain as good as I can all the steps here, and if you're not convinced check out the video at the end of this page to understand better the process.
First of all, materials :
1.Feathers-I used pigeon feathers-but you can use any feathers you like. Here are some suggestions:
2.Some Bead Caps of your choice. Here are some suggestions:
3.Some Pins with loops. Something like this:
4.Earrings hooks. I always use hypoallergenic hooks from stainless steel like these ones:
5.Some strong glue like this one-I personally prefer UHU glue because it doesn't smell bad and when dried it's pretty strong:
6. Two types of pliers. One for cutting and one for creating the loops
7. Optional! Acrylic paint and some decorative stones. Some suggestions:
Let's Begin! But first- something for you to pin
Step 1. Push the earring pin through the bead cap, pull it up as much as you can and then bend it at 90 degrees. Cut the pin, leaving about 1 cm. Then take the looping pliers, grab the end of the bended pin and start rolling inwards creating a loop.
Repeat this step one more time- if you are creating one pair of earrings.
Step 2. Take the feathers and cut off the pointed end. Pour glue into the bead cap and then squeeze the feather in there. Let it dry.
Step 3. Detach the loop of the earring hook and join it with the loop of the cap.Close it back when you're done.
At this point you should have some simple, natural looking feather earrings.
I continued to personalize them a little like this:
Step 4. For the first design I used 3 diferent colors : Dark blue, violet and bright green. Just apply the paint with a brush, and spread the lines of the feather.
For the second design I used golden metallic acrylic paint and for the third I used silver color.
Step 5. After dried, I applied some dots of glue along the spine of the feather, then placed on them some decorative shinny stones.
And that's it, you are done! :)
Here is the video I promised ( I assure you it will be more clear after seeing this one ):
Since I started creating jewellery a few years ago, I had the opportunity to participate at various handmade fairs, and the one thing I learned from them is that the way you present your product can be more important than the product itself.
The same applies to your room and personal space, and even if you don't think constantly about it, you should invest more time in it. Your room is the place you sleep and maybe study or relax , so a beautiful and tidy environment will help keep you happy and positive.
This DIY consists of 3 items : a cactus earring holder, a watermelon plate (jewellery holder ) and a decorative jar that can also have a specific purpose : a vase , a candle holder or simply a place to keep your makeup brushes.
Also I tried to do this as cheap as possible, with dollar store products or things you can recycle.
So let's begin! But first feel free to pin :
For the cactus earring holder you will need :
1.A cardboard sturdy box (you can use a cereal box)
2.Acrylic paint and brushes
3.Some golden glitter -I found this at the dollar store next to the nail polish
4.A glue gun and some simple liquid glue
Steps:
Draw a desert type cactus shape on a piece of paper and cut it out . Then cut 2 big pieces of cardboard from the box and trace the shape of the cactus on to them. Cut out the cactus shapes of cardboard.
One of the pieces will be your base. As for the second-cut out from it the body and the arms of the cactus. Then cut all of them in half.
Next you will use the glue gun to stick all of the halfs on the cactus base shape right in the middle of the body and in the middle of the arms.
For this to stand you will need a support -so cut out a cardboard circle and stick the cactus on to it.
If these steps seem a little confusing please watch the video from the end of the article.
After all it's glued go ahead and paint it. I used a minty color for the cactus and a sand color for the support.
Once it's completely dried add some glue on the edges and sprinkle some glitter on to it.You can also add glitter to the support. After that shake it good and leave it to dry.
For the watermelon jewellery support you will need:
1.Transparent plate and cup- I bought this from the dollar store at a very cheap price- under 1 dollar each
2. Acrylic paints and brusshes
3.Glue gun
Steps:
Place the plate with the back facing you. Start painting the edge of the plate with green ( I used a minty color) -to represent the peal of the watermelon.
Then start painting the seeds with black in the center of the plate. After that's done start adding pink paint to represent the fruity part.
After completely dried go ahead and stick the cup to the back of the plate and you will have a beautiful watermelon jewelery holder.
For the pastel layered jar you will need: 1.A simple jar - I used one from a jar of pickles I bought one day (recycling ! yay!)
2. Acrylic paint and brushes
3.Liquid Glue
4.White String
Steps:
Start painting the jar from the inside in layers. I was inspired by a sunset at the beach so first I added light blue, then minty color, then sand color and at the end some pink. I blended them carefully without mixing them together.
At the end I added some glue to the top edge of the jar and rolled some white string over it. This is optional. You can leave like that, add paint or even glitter.
Although some of us do not face it , the bathroom still remains a very important part of a home, because it offers you full intimacy no matter how many people are in the house. That's why it's likely you come up with new ideas while taking a shower instead of brainstorming at your desk.
Creating a nice decor for your bathroom can be very expensive and time consuming, so I thought to give you a hand with this DIY, by showing you how to make your own bathroom decorations, that can be personalized to fit your needs and surroundings and most important -at a very low price.
I chose to make my decorations using blue shades to remind me of the ocean- and to create a peaceful and relaxing decor. What you choose is up to you! Maybe you are more relaxed surrounded by rainbow colors or even black and white. Use your imagination and don't forget to have fun.
1.First step is to create some 3D elements using your glue gun . Just apply glue on the pots with strokes , randomly or following a pattern. I chose to create lines for the first pot, wired fence pattern for the second pot and randomness for the third pot (dots,lines,flowers).
2.Next add a coat or two of white paint on all of the 3 pots, covering also the glued part.
3.The fun part ! paint the pots in any color you like , avoiding the glued parts.Those must remain white so they can stand out.
4. To enhance them more, paint their edges of the glued parts using a darker color.
5. After dried add some glossy varnish. This is optional. If you like the rocky, dried effect just leave them like that.
And you are done!
If you want to understand better the steps check out the video :
Washi tape is one of the "must have" items that every crafter should have. But what if the ones from the store are too expensive or the designs that are out there don't fulfill your needs?
Here is a quick tutorial on how to create your own washi tape. You probably already guessing the steps. No? here's a hint : double sided tape !
On one side you stick your desired pattern - decorative paper,beads,lace,fabric etc and then you stick the other side to the object you want to decorate.
It's that easy!
Here is a picture to pin so you can spread the news:
And here is the video that shows every step-although I'm sure you already know what to do
I never found the dollar store very attractive,especially not in the home decor department, because you can sense the "cheap" effect from most of the things exposed.
Nevertheless, the dollar store is a magical place for a crafter like myself, a place where you can find inspiration to create beautiful things on a budget.
This is my first project of this kind but I feel that there will be others in the future.
At first I was temped to paint this mirror cover in antique gold , because I noticed a trend with these types of mirrors, but then I thought that a white cover with flowers will be more cute and add more brightness to my home.It is up to you what color you choose in the end.
What will you need (from the dollar store) :
1. A round mirror- with a backing support- The backing support can be easily removed and we will use the holes to stick a hanger in them
2.A pack of wooden cloth pins
3.Some artificial flowers
4.Some white string
You will also need
5.Glue gun and some liquid strong glue (I used Super Glue ,E6000 is also good)
6.Spray paint or acrylic paint
7.Scissors
8. A piece of tin foil
Step 1.
Remove the backing support of the mirror and identify one of the holes that it unveiled .Cut a piece of string and tie a knot at the end creating a loop. Squeeze the ends through the hole, until the knot touches the mirror frame and the loop hangs in the air. Add super glue and press it down for 10 seconds. You can add some extra glue with the glue gun. This will be your mirror hanger.
Step 2.
Glue the cloth pins on the mirror edge using the glue gun, leaving a little space between them. At the end it should look like a sun.
Step 3.
Cover the glass mirror with tin foil and spray paint it. I added only one layer of paint because I like the wooden touch from the cloth pins. If you like a matte, white look add 2 or 3 layers of paint.
Step 4.
After dried, rip some fake flowers and glue them on the mirror cover. I positioned them randomly. you can create a pattern or you can fully cover it with flowers. It's up to you.
Step 5
Hang it on the wall and take a look. You will look like a queen trough this mirror. Trust me!
If some of this steps were not clear enough watch the video:
Remember the guild you experience when you pick off a flower ? you want to carry the beautiful thing forever-to wear it in your hair or to hold it in your hands- but you can't because it fades out quickly.
How about creating one by yourself, using things you probably have in your drawer.
This tutorial shows you the way and once you have the flower it's up to you if you stick a pin on the back to wear it as a brooch, an elastic band to wear it in your hair or a chain to wear it as a necklace or bracelet.The important thing is that it will never fade.
Materials:
1.A bottle cap -a wider one-like the ones from the milk bottles or Nestea
2.Some tissue paper/or toilet paper-it will work just fine
3.Different types of glue:
You will need a classic /white paste one or mod podge
A liquid one/transparent one that it resistent
A very strong one -like SuperGlue or Loctite
4.Cotton Ear Swabs/Buds -a 100 pack is fine
5.Scissors and a Brush
6. A vintage button for the middle-or anything you like ( a bead, a piece of glass, and old earring, a shell etc)
7. A brooch pin or an elastic band-depending on what use you want to give to the flower
Let's begin!
Step 1.
Cut the paper in little pieces then fill the bottle cap like so : one layer of paste glue,one layer of paper
Once it's filled you can smooth the surface with a brush or your fingers
Step 2.
Pinch a hole in the middle,pour some glue and put the button there
Step 3
Start cutting the cotton ends of the swabs
Step 4
Trace a line of liquid glue on the edge of the bottle cap and start placing the cotton pieces forming the petals of the flower-leaving a little space between them
Place the next row in between the first one. The last one can be close together ,surrounding the button.
Step 5.
Glue on the back the brooch pin with the super strong glue.
And you are done!
Check out the video bellow if some steps are not clear enough:
It's always nice to be in the company of butterflies -whether it's in a form of a jewellery ,a dress or a decor element- they remind us of how beautiful nature is and throw us into a fairy tail making us feel like Disney princesses.
Having that in mind, you should definitely try this DIY. It's easy, fun, and the materials used are probably lying somewhere in your home.
So let's start!
You will need:
1.A 2 liter plastic bottle
2.Scissors
3.Some acrylic or glass paint and brushes -I used acrylic
4.Some magnets to stick on the back-I used magnetic tape that is already sticky- You can also use some double sided tape if you want to stick them on the wall
Step 1.
Trace a butterfly shape on a piece of paper and cut it out. You can also use a printed image.
Step 2.
Cut out pieces of plastic from the bottle. Make sure they are big enough to cover the shape of paper
Step 3.
Apply the piece of paper over the plastic piece and trace over it. Then cut it out-creating the plastic butterfly
Step 4.
Fold the plastic butterflies in half to create a more realistic look.
Step 5
Paint them. I used 2 colors for each butterfly-the lighter one in the middle and the darker one on the edges. After that I created some details with black-and added some dots with white paint.
Step 6
Glue the magnets on the back
And you are done!
Check out the video bellow if some steps are not clear enough:
Summer is approaching fast and I needed something light,fresh and new to wear daily. I went and bought 3 simple,cotton T-shirts and I personalized them with these cool stamp prints. I made the stamps from potatoes but you can also create stamps from rubber sheets.
For this project you will need:
Two small potatoes and a large one (also it's best you have more than that,because things might not go as planned from the start)
Cutting tools:a small kitchen knife and a x-acto blade
.Fabric Paints-I bought mine from the supermarket (Auchan) at a fair price and I'm sure you can find these at any craft store
Three cotton T-shirts -I found mine at sale for a very good price and I bought a bigger size than I actually wear-I felt like these fresh ,summer designs go best with a loose shirt.
A big box-as big as fitting your T-shirt in it-so when you stamp,the color doesn't absorb in the back side
Extra: some paint brushes and an electric iron (if the instructions of the fabric paint requires)
So let's begin! Yay!
The steps are not hard to explain and they are repetitive for each design. The whole trick in doing this is the carving into the potato your desired design.
Step 1. Creating your stamps-for this watch the video bellow
Step 2. Cover the box with the T-shirt
Step 3. Dipping the stamps in paint and start stamping
Step 4 .Let it dry
Step 5. Iron it (Optional)
Sounds easy and believe me the watermelon design really is. The other two are a little tricky but this video will surely help:
